Big rugby matches are coming thick and fast for University of Canterbury flanker Finn McLeod.
It will be his second appearance at the tournament after being part of last year’s side which reached the final before losing to South Africa.
McLeod said he felt he had put himself in a strong position to play a key role in the team, but was not getting ahead of himself.
“You can never be too confident, there’s always things changing. It’s up to the coaches now on how they want to select their squad and who they think is best fit for the world champs.
“I think I just need to be happy with what I’ve done. I can be pretty proud of my efforts.”
McLeod started two matches at blindside flanker – a 32-29 win over Australia and a 29-29 draw with champions South Africa – and another at No 8 in a 25-17 loss to Argentina.
Those same positions were once owned by his grandfather, former All Black Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie.
McLeod said Wyllie, who died last year aged 80, was a regular presence on the sideline during his junior and schoolboy rugby days.
“It was pretty awesome having him down at games supporting me. Him being an All Black is pretty motivating for me, wanting to follow in his footsteps and do what he did back in his day.”
Wyllie’s playing record underlined that legacy. He played 210 games for Canterbury in the 1960s and 70s, captaining the province on more than 100 occasions, and made 40 appearances for the All Blacks, including 11 tests, between 1970 and 1973.
After retiring, he became one of New Zealand rugby’s most influential coaches, steering Canterbury through a dominant Ranfurly Shield era from 1982-85 before taking charge of the All Blacks from 1988-91, where he finished with a 91% winning record.
He was co-coach alongside John Hart at the 1991 Rugby World Cup, as the All Blacks lost 16-6 to Australia in the semi-finals.
“To be honest, he didn’t actually give me too much advice.
“He was definitely a huge supporter, made sure to come down to as many games as he could, but I think he just let me do my thing, which is actually pretty cool.”
During his schoolboy years, McLeod was a key member of Christchurch Boys’ High School’s first XV during one of the strongest periods in the team’s recent history.
The side reached the semi-finals in 2022, won the competition in 2023 and finished runners-up in 2024, when McLeod was captain.
Now playing in the Metro premier competition, McLeod is also part of the Crusaders academy and trained with the senior squad during pre-season.
He is set to be involved in Canterbury’s NPC campaign, starting in August.
McLeod describes himself as a “dominant” ball carrier who enjoys the physical side of the game.
“I like a bit of contact. I like a ball carry – try and get some post-contact carries and be as dominant as I can on defence, which is probably still a bit of a work-on for me.
“In recent years I’ve been looking up to Ethan Blackadder. It’s awesome being in the same environment with him. He’s an awesome guy and he has really helped me.”
McLeod said achieving his dream of playing for the Crusaders and All Blacks would come down to continuing to work hard and making the most of every opportunity.
“Putting my all into everything, training as hard as I can, and as the opportunities come, taking them in full swing, giving it the best crack I can.”
New Zealand’s first game of the Junior World Championship is against Japan on June 28.
